The fast-growing
Irish digital
creative industry
has long been
a cornerstone
of a vibrant
business sector
It’s often said that Ireland is a nation of storytellers. As digital technology has advanced in recent years, Irish animators have become adept at creating unique IP for TV, film, games, mobile and VR/AR applications.
A highly professional and coordinated industry cooperates at home and abroad to produce content that is highly marketable to international audiences while losing none of its unique magic.
Ireland’s rich heritage in animation has developed a global reputation for combining storytelling, visual artistry and digital innovation to produce award-winning entertainment for the world’s biggest networks.
With a strong focus on R&D, innovation, upskilling, and new talent development — much of which is supported by Enterprise Ireland — Irish visual entertainment is set to continue enchanting international audiences for decades to come.
Just ten years ago, there were only 70 Irish people working in animation and related fields. In a mere decade, that number has grown to over 2,000 in full-time employment in the same industries.
Many of these creatives need no introduction, thanks to the plethora of Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and international recognition their work has received.
“The creativity of Irish companies sets them apart, and storytelling is in everything they do,” says Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland.” They’ve come to the North America market with a proven track record, they’re steeped in the arts, and they have the dynamism and ambition to succeed.”
“The animation industry in Ireland has been a long cornerstone of our vibrant entertainment industry,” she adds. “It has seen significant growth in the last decade, and it’s now an integral part of our digital creative economy.”
IRISH PRODUCTION AND ANIMATION
GIANT ANIMATION
Giant Animation is an independent animation studio focused on the development and production of exciting new ideas for television, feature film, games and everything in-between. The company prides itself on strong visual storytelling, using a diverse range of styles to bring their ideas to life.
PIRANHA BAR
Piranha Bar boasts a diverse family of in-house talent including directors, animators, VFX, motion designers, artists, and award-winning editors. The unique hybrid production company creates highly visual short and long-form content. Piranha Bar is actively developing original content with production partners around the world.
GORILLA POST
Gorilla Post is an Emmy-nominated post-production facility in Dublin, Ireland. Managing client’s entire post-production requirements, from edit, grade, VF, audio post and finishing. Founded in 2009, the company has grown rapidly. Managing Director, Barry Reid, was nominated for an Emmy Award for his “Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for an Animated Preschool Program” on Amazon Prime’s ‘Pete The Cat’ series.
MOETION FILMS
Moetion Films is an award-winning, animation company based in Galway, Ireland. The company develops and produces high-end animation for cinema and TV. Owner /Producer Moe Honan has an excellent record co-producing feature films such as the award-winning Niko And the Way to The Stars (Flight Before Christmas), Niko 2 Little Brother Big Trouble (The Magic Reindeer), Thor – Legends of Valhalla and The Ugly Duckling and Me.
About Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the Irish State agency that works with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets. Enterprise Ireland partners with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation, leadership, and competitiveness. In this way, we support sustainable economic growth and regional development and help create and sustain employment in Ireland.
Send your animated updates to Reel Chicago Editor Dan Patton, dan@reelchicago.com.
